At first glance, the Indo-US nuclear accord is a big deal given that the nuts and bolts that were misplaced in the 2005 civil nuclear cooperation between the two nations have now been located and applied. The principal logjam then was that India had refused to allow the US to carry out checks on Indian soil, over and above those stipulated by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), to monitor the use of nuclear material purchased from other countries. New Delhi had deemed the clause of scrutinising as too intrusive. On Saturday, US President Barack Obama used his executive powers to ensure that this prerequisite was shelved.
A closer look at the landmark deal highlights an irony. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, are flaunting the pathbreaking arrangement as a triumph of sorts. It must, however, be remembered that the architect of the civil nuclear deal and the exposition of its many positives that could come with it was envisioned by former prime minister Manmohan Singh. The BJP had then tried their best to thwart Singh’s ambitions at the cost of paralysing parliament. Singh’s achievements were credible. He had staked his position as prime minister and fought off the condemnations with a smaller majority, due to a fractious coalition, and a more vociferous opposition. India can now pursue its policy of nuclear commerce without encountering significant barriers. This would facilitate New Delhi’s entry into the top rung of global players, a facility which Modi will exploit to the maximum.
There is an element of quid pro quo in the current Indo-US relationship based upon tangibles and abstracts. This is how business is done between nations today. Guarantees have been replaced by utility. Modi and Obama have therefore teamed up to ensure that each party can ride on the other’s coattails to thwart China’s ambitions. Enhanced defence deals and a Joint Strategic Vision for the Asia-Pacific and Indian Ocean regions have also been spelled out.
In sum, India’s blueprint for the future is taking shape. The value will be determined by its application and its long-term usefulness to the US and vice-versa.
